Product classification
HS code for Frozen tilapia meat: 0304.93
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of frozen tilapia meat under HS 0304.93
Frozen tilapia meat, excluding fillets, is classified under HS code 0304.93. This classification is part of Heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat. The "other fish meat" category (0304.9x) typically includes fish meat that has been separated from the bones through a mechanical process, resulting in a minced or non-fillet form. Subheading 0304.93 specifically groups tilapias with catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This code is used for products like frozen minced tilapia or tilapia meat blocks that are intended for further processing into products like fish sticks or surimi-based items. To remain in Chapter 3, the meat must not be cooked or mixed with ingredients that would characterize it as a prepared meal. The distinction between fillets and "other meat" is critical in the Harmonized System, as fillets are considered a higher level of processing than whole fish but a different category than minced meat.
- Covers
- Frozen minced tilapia meat
- Frozen tilapia meat blocks
- Frozen tilapia pulp
- Frozen tilapia trimmings (not fillets)
- Also under 0304.93
- Regal Springs (Tilapia trim)
- various Asian food manufacturers (Minced Catfish Blocks)
- Pangasius (Catfish meat blocks)
- Iglo (Fish fingers using these species' meat)
Codes often confused with 0304.93
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 0304.61, which is the specific code for frozen tilapia fillets. It is also sometimes misclassified under 1604.20 if the meat has been significantly prepared, seasoned, or cooked. Another error involves using 0303.23, which is only for whole or headed/gutted frozen tilapia.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen tilapia meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 38% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030493, not only frozen tilapia meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$25M 80% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $2.3M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $1.1M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $31M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $23M 38% of world imports
- 2 China $15M 24% of world imports
- 3 Italy $6.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for frozen tilapia meat
Brazil classifies frozen tilapia meat under NCM 0304.93.00: HS 0304.93 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen tilapia meat
What is the HS code for Frozen tilapia meat?
The HS code for Frozen tilapia meat is 030493 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for frozen tilapia meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.93.
How do I classify Frozen tilapia meat for customs?
Frozen tilapia meat is classified under HS code 030493 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can surimi made from tilapia be classified here?
If the product is basic frozen fish meat or mince without further preparation, it fits 0304.93. However, highly processed surimi with additives may sometimes be classified elsewhere depending on the degree of processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen tilapia meat (HS 030493)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $25M, 80% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.3M) and Indonesia ($1.1M). World exports came to about $31M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen tilapia meat (HS 030493)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($23M, 38% of world imports), China ($15M) and Italy ($6.2M). World imports came to about $62M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Frozen tilapia meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030493 for Frozen tilapia meat is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for frozen tilapia meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen tilapia meat (HS 030493) is classified under NCM 0304.93.00.